It's not the most stylish option, but the family-friendly Silver Cloud Inn Lake Union offers a lot of bang for your buck. Many guestrooms feature waterfront views of Lake Union and guests can take advantage of complimentary parking--a real rarity in Seattle--as well as a free shuttle. Great service, an indoor pool, and an included hot breakfast buffet sweeten the deal.

Book early for summer stays as weekends fill up quickly.

room

Clean and comfortable, spacious guestrooms come equipped with a fridge, microwave, and coffeemaker. The décor is plain and dated but well-maintained; try to snag one of the hotel’s waterfront view rooms, which overlook picturesque Lake Union, where sailboats skim by and seaplanes take off and land in the near distance. Some rooms also include fireplaces and tiny decks.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Freeway-facing rooms can be a bit noisy, so bring earplugs or choose a water-facing option.

bathroom

They’re nothing to write home about, but the Silver Cloud Inn’s bathrooms are spotless and feature a separate sink for convenience and Aveda toiletries. King bed Jacuzzi rooms include an en-suite two-person whirlpool bath.

lobby

Guests are welcomed by a very cute life-size beaded pig sculpture--undoubtedly a nod to Rachel the Pig, who lived on the Puget Sound’s Whidbey Island in the ‘70s and was immortalized by the iconic Rachel the Pig piggybank sculpture at Pike Place Market. The lobby also has self-serve coffee. Enjoy it sitting by the lobby fireplace or take it to go.

pool

A good-sized indoor pool surrounded by seating is especially popular with kids. Large windows keep the pool room bright, even in gloomy winter. There's also a hot tub.

gym

A fitness center includes the usual suspects: several cardio machines and a good selection of free weights.

dining

The surprisingly decent hot breakfast buffet is a boon for budget-minded travelers, especially families with lots of mouths to feed.

Breakfast is served in a light-flooded room with plenty of comfortable seating and a sun porch to take in lake views.